Triathlete Mothers Inspire Erica And Tyler
[Written by Stephen Wright]
It is fair to say that Bermuda triathletes Erica Hawley and Tyler Smith have gotten some of their sporting talent and initiative from their mothers as they prepare to make their Olympic debuts in Paris.
Erica and Tyler are following firmly in the footsteps of their parents, Julia Hawley and Karen Smith, who also represented Bermuda with distinction on the world stage.
Julia, a cyclist at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne also excelled in triathlon.
She came fourteenth in her age group [45-49] at the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in 2009 and fourth in her age division [50-54] at the Xterra World Championship, the earthier form of triathlon, in Hawaii in 2014.
Julia said Erica will fulfil a life-long ambition when she takes to the start line on the River Seine in the women’s triathlon on Wednesday [July 31].
“Erica has worked so hard to do what was needed to earn this spot to compete in Paris,” Julia told Bernews.
“Not just the racing, but all the attention to detail in the training and preparation has been amazing to watch.
“The lifelong journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs, but in the end, Erica has realised her dream. Our entire family could not be happier for her.
“I never qualified for an Olympic Games but seeing my daughter actually do this has been incredible and our family can’t wait to watch her in Paris”
Dame Flora Duffy, Erica Hawley and Katura Horton-Perinchief in Paris earlier this week
Meanwhile, her former training partner Smith has delivered several impressive displays at the Ironman World Championship, winning the women’s 45-49 age division in 2014 and finishing third [40-44] in 2010.
A two-time national triathlon champion, Smith also represented Bermuda at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and was a team-mate of an 18-year-old Flora Duffy in Melbourne four years later.
Smith said Tyler has always possessed a drive for improvement and described him as a “student of the sport”, always delving into the science behind the swim, bike and run.
“Of course, we are extremely proud of Tyler’s Olympic selection,” said Smith, whose son races tomorrow [July 30].
“He had been involved in many sports as a child and had an incredible internal drive to improve.”
Tyler Smith and his mother Karen Smith
Although injuries have hampered Tyler, especially during the initial phase of the qualifying period, Smith said her son has remained positive and resilient.
“No Olympic journey is ever straightforward and there were many road bumps along the way including several injuries leaving him unable to compete for months at a time and missing the first of two years of qualifying races,” added Smith, who has also travelled to Paris for the Games.
“He remained positive and focused on his dream throughout. He has travelled every corner of the earth, often alone, to compete.
“Some races went great, and some were a struggle, but he had to keep pushing on.
“When you see someone set and achieve a lifelong goal it is incredibly inspiring and if that person is your son, you are absolutely bursting with pride.
“We are beyond thrilled for him to be an Olympian.”
